Roman Gofman Appointed as New Mossad Director: A Shift in Leadership

Roman Gofman, currently the military secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is set to become the next director of Mossad in June 2026. His appointment signifies a notable shift in leadership, as he is one of the few Mossad chiefs to come from a military background rather than intelligence. Gofman, who immigrated to Israel from Belarus in 1990, has had a distinguished career in the IDF, holding various key positions. His leadership will be crucial for Mossad, Israel's elite intelligence agency, responsible for foreign intelligence and covert operations. This article delves into Gofman's background, his rise through the military ranks, and the implications of his new role.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 14, 2026, 11:56 IST

Roman Gofman to Lead Mossad Starting June 2026

Roman Gofman, currently serving as the military secretary to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is poised to take over as the director of Mossad in June 2026. He will replace the current chief, David Barnea. As noted by the Jewish Virtual Library, Gofman is a seasoned officer of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), having advanced through the ranks of the Armoured Corps before moving into high-level advisory positions within the Prime Minister’s Office. His selection is significant as it marks a shift from tradition, being one of the few Mossad leaders to come from a military rather than an intelligence background.

Born on November 30, 1976, in Mozyr, Belarus (formerly part of the Soviet Union), Gofman immigrated to Israel with his family in 1990 during the post-Soviet Aliyah, a period characterized by the mass migration of Jews to Israel following the Soviet Union's dissolution. He grew up in Ashdod, a key industrial city in Israel, and has shared insights into the challenges he faced during his childhood, including feelings of alienation that led him to pursue competitive boxing. In a 2022 interview with Yedioth Ahronoth, he reflected on a motto from his boxing coach: “When a threat or challenge comes, you don’t close your eyes.” Gofman holds a degree in Political Science and National Security Studies.

In 1995, he joined the IDF and became part of the Armoured Corps. Throughout his extensive career, he has held various significant roles, including company commander and battalion commander in the 7th Armoured Brigade, and later led the Etzion Regional Brigade during a time of increased security tensions in the West Bank. He also commanded the 7th Armoured Brigade and took on senior operational and planning responsibilities within the Ground Forces, as per the Jewish Virtual Library.

Gofman faced scrutiny in 2022 when, as an IDF commander, he authorized the involvement of a 17-year-old minor, Ori Elmakayes, in an Arabic-language influence campaign against Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. This decision led to Elmakayes' detention by security forces after he was accused of leaking classified information, according to reports from various sources.

On October 7, 2023, during the Hamas attack on Israeli civilians, Gofman was the commander of the Tzeelim training base. He reportedly went to the Gaza border and engaged in a firefight at Sha’ar Hanegev Junction, near Sderot, where he sustained serious injuries.

Mossad: Israel’s Premier Intelligence Agency

Mossad is one of Israel's three principal intelligence organizations, alongside Aman (military intelligence) and Shin Bet (internal security). It is tasked with gathering foreign intelligence, conducting intelligence analysis, and executing covert operations. According to the Mossad's official website, its mission is to collect intelligence that aids Israeli decision-makers in formulating national security policies. Beyond intelligence collection, Mossad also undertakes strategic operations aimed at ensuring stability in the Middle East and globally.